U.S. patent number 9,868,020 [Application Number 14/947,354] was granted by the patent office on 2018-01-16 for exercise apparatuses and methods of using the same.
The grantee listed for this patent is Jeffrey David Stewart. Invention is credited to Jeffrey David Stewart.
United States Patent |
9,868,020 |
Stewart |
January 16, 2018 |
Exercise apparatuses and methods of using the same
Abstract
An exercise apparatus includes a pair of step-up apparatuses
wearable on feet of a user. Each step-up apparatus is configurable
between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration to
simulate a selected motion when the user wearing the pair of
step-up apparatuses travels by foot. One of the step-up apparatuses
moves towards the expanded configuration while the other step-up
apparatus moves towards the compressed configuration.
Inventors: |
Stewart; Jeffrey David
(Sammamish, WA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stewart; Jeffrey David |
Sammamish |
WA |
US |
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Family
ID: |
40524772 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/947,354 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20160074700 A1 |
Mar 17, 2016 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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14102444 |
Dec 10, 2013 |
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12865695 |
Dec 31, 2013 |
8617033 |
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PCT/US2009/032748 |
Jan 30, 2009 |
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61063256 |
Jan 31, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
22/0046 (20130101); A43B 7/38 (20130101); A43B
13/184 (20130101); A63B 23/0405 (20130101); A43B
13/18 (20130101); A63B 25/10 (20130101); A63B
2225/09 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
22/00 (20060101); A63B 25/10 (20060101); A63B
23/04 (20060101); A43B 13/18 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;482/1-148 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Crow; Stephen R
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Perkins Coie LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/102,444 filed Dec. 10, 2013, entitled "EXERCISE APPARATUSES
AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME," which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/865,695 filed Nov. 29, 2010, now
U.S. Pat. No. 8,617,033, entitled "EXERCISE APPARATUSES AND METHODS
OF USING THE SAME," which claims priority to International Patent
Application No. PCT/US2009/032748 filed Jan. 30, 2009, which claims
the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/063,256 filed Jan. 31, 2008, each of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entireties.
Claims
I claim:
1. An exercise system, comprising: a pair of step-up apparatuses
wearable on feet of a user, wherein each step-up apparatus is
configurable between an expanded configuration and a compressed
configuration to simulate a selected motion when the user wearing
the pair of step-up apparatuses travels by foot, wherein each of
the step-up apparatuses is configured to begin collapsing after the
user transfers a substantial portion of the user's weight to the
step-up apparatus and expands upon removal of the substantial
portion of the user's weight without providing any appreciable
propelling force, and wherein each step-up apparatus includes a
sole assembly having an actuating mechanism operable to move the
sole assembly from a collapsed configuration to an expanded
configuration, wherein the actuating mechanism has a first state of
operation to provide a first rate of collapse, and a second state
of operation to provide a second rate of collapse.
2. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the first rate of
collapse is at least twice the second rate of collapse for an
applied load.
3. An exercise device, comprising: a self-expanding sole assembly
movable between an expanded configuration and a compressed
configuration, the sole assembly comprising: a lower sole; an upper
sole movable with respect to the lower sole; and an expansion
mechanism that generates a resistive force as the upper sole spaced
apart from the lower sole moves towards the lower sole so as to
move the sole assembly from the expanded configuration towards the
compressed configuration, the expansion mechanism is configured to
generate a restoring force that is less than the resistive force
and the restoring force is sufficient move the sole assembly from
the compressed configuration towards the expanded
configuration.
4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the step-up apparatus
collapses when a user transfers a substantial portion of the user's
weight to the step-up apparatus and expands upon removal of the
substantial portion of the user's weight without providing any
significant propelling force.
5. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the resistive force is a
dampening force generated in response to a user pressing on the
sole assembly.
6. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the sole assembly is
configured to be in the expanded configuration when the lower sole
is held above a support surface and moves from the expanded
configuration towards the compressed configuration when the user
stands on the sole assembly.
7. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the sole assembly in the
expanded configuration defines a raised position and in the
compressed configuration defines a lowered position.
8. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein a distance between the
raised position and the lowered position is greater than or equal
to about 3 inches.
9. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the expansion mechanism
includes an adjustable energy absorber operable to provide the
resistive force.
10. The exercise device of claim 3, further comprising a foot
retainer coupled to the sole assembly, the foot retainer
configurable between a foot receiving configuration and a foot
retaining configuration.
11. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the expansion mechanism
is physically coupled to the upper sole and the lower sole and is
configurable to allow the sole assembly to move from the expanded
configuration to the compressed configuration when the user is
supported by the sole assembly and to move from the compressed
configuration to the expanded configuration when the sole assembly
is unloaded.
12. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the expansion mechanism
has a delay device to delay collapsing of the sole assembly as the
user initially steps onto the sole assembly.
13. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the expansion mechanism
includes an expandable piston assembly having an upper end and a
lower end, the upper end is rotatably coupled to the upper sole,
and the lower end is rotatably coupled to the lower sole.
14. The exercise device of claim 3, further comprising a controller
configured to adjust a resistive force provided by the expansion
mechanism when a user applies a force to the sole assembly.
15. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the controller has
memory configured to store at least one program.
16. An exercise device, comprising: a self-expanding sole assembly
configurable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed
configuration, the sole assembly generates a resistive force as the
sole assembly in the expanded configuration moves towards the
collapsed configuration and generates an expansion force to move
from the collapsed configuration towards the expanded
configuration, and the expansion force is substantially less than
the resistive force.
17. The exercise device of claim 16, wherein the sole assembly is
configured to self-expand as a user's foot carrying the exercise
device moves away from a support surface upon which the sole
assembly in the collapsed configuration rests.
18. The exercise device of claim 16, further comprising an
actuating mechanism that biases the self-expanding sole assembly
towards the expanded configuration.
19. An exercise device, comprising: a self-expanding sole assembly
configurable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed
configuration, the self-expanding sole assembly includes means for
collapsing after a user transfers a substantial portion of the
user's weight to the self-expanding sole assembly; and means for
generating a resistive force as the sole assembly in the expanded
configuration moves towards the collapsed configuration and
generating an expansion force to move the sole assembly from the
collapsed configuration towards the expanded configuration.
Description
TECHNICAL HELD
The present disclosure generally relates to exercise apparatuses,
and more specifically, to cardiovascular exercise apparatuses.
BACKGROUND
Exercise equipment for cardiovascular exercise is often used in
gymnasiums or homes. It may be difficult or impossible to use
stationary exercise equipment while performing other activities.
For example, an individual using a treadmill or an elliptical
machine may be unable to perform activities that require mobility,
such as many household chores. This inconvenience may deter people
with busy schedules from exercising. People also may not exercise
because of the travel time to and from sport facilities, hiking
trails, gymnasiums, or other workout facilities suitable for
performing strenuous cardiovascular exercises that can strengthen
and build muscles.
Activities (e.g., running, jogging, and walking) can be performed
without utilizing stationary exercise equipment. Running and other
high impact activities may be unsuitable for people with arthritis,
damaged bones (e.g., bones with stress fractures), damaged joints,
or damaged connective tissue. Running may also lead to injuries,
tissue damage, and pain/discomfort. For example, chrondromalacia
patella (commonly referred to as runner's knee) is a condition that
may be caused by running. To minimize trauma to joints or
connective tissue, people often perform low impact activities;
however, low impact activities, such as walking, often do not
provide a desired level of aerobic activity and may be ineffective
at strengthening or building muscles.
SUMMARY
Exercise apparatuses disclosed herein can be used while performing
various activities, such as walking, running, hiking, workout
routines, or other normal everyday activities. The exercise
apparatuses can be worn on an individual's feet in order to provide
a desired exercise program. The exercise program can be designed to
simulate various types of motions, strengthen muscles, tone
muscles, increase aerobic activity, control impact stresses, or the
like. The exercise apparatuses, in some embodiments, simulate
climbing stairs while the user walks on generally flat surfaces.
The exercise apparatuses can be used while performing numerous
types of everyday activities, including housework, gardening, or
the like.
In some embodiments, an exercise apparatus includes a pair of
wearable exercise devices. Each exercise device is configured to be
worn on a foot and is movable between an open configuration and a
closed configuration such that the exercise device simulates a
selected motion when the user travels by foot. In some embodiments,
the exercise devices cooperate to simulate climbing stairs and,
thus, may provide many of the same benefits as climbing stairs.
Each exercise device, in some embodiments, has a restraint to
couple the exercise device to a foot of the user. The user can wear
the devices to travel over a wide range of different terrains. In
some embodiments, the exercise devices are adjustable to control
rates of expansion of the exercise devices, rates of collapse of
the exercise devices, and the like. Other parameters (e.g., an
amount of travel between an upper sole and a lower sole of an
exercise apparatus) can also be adjusted.
One exercise device is worn on the user's right foot and another
exercise device is worn on the user's left foot. When the user
walks, the exercise device leaving the ground can move to the open
configuration. When the user steps onto the open exercise device,
the exercise device closes. The users body is raised onto the
opened exercise device before the exercise device has closed a
significant amount. In this manner, two exercise devices cooperate
to simulate a desired up and down motion, even though the user may
be traveling along a generally flat surface. The exercise devices
do not provide any appreciable propelling force, unlike traditional
spring shoes. The user provides substantially all of the energy to
move forward, as well as substantially all of the energy to step
onto the exercise device. The user has to repeatedly raise his/her
body by stepping onto the exercise devices. The devices discloses
herein can have restoring forces that are minimized to limit
propelling of the user forward and/or upward.
In some embodiments, an exercise device has one or more
horizontally mounted energy absorbers, vertically mounted energy
absorbers, or diagonally mounted energy absorbers. The exercise
device may also have one or more linkage mechanisms. The linkage
mechanisms may include one or more scissor joints. Outer parts of
the linkage mechanism can be fixed to components of the device, and
the ends of the inner portions of the linkage mechanism can have
bearings and move along tracks or slots. In some embodiments, ends
of energy absorbers are coupled directly to a one-piece or
multi-piece sole.
The exercise devices, in some embodiments, are adjustable to select
how quickly the devices will compress. Exercise devices can be
collapsed for storage in relatively small spaces and can also be
operable to limit or stop an exercise routine. For example, a user
may want to limit or stop the step-up motion for a short period of
time but may not want to remove the exercise devices. The exercise
devices can have a locked in or expanded configuration and/or a
collapsed configuration.
In some embodiments, a footwear apparatus for simulating climbing
stairs while traveling along a generally flat surface includes a
shoe main body wearable on a foot of a user, a foot retainer, and a
collapsible step-up sole assembly. The sole assembly is coupled to
the shoe main body by the foot retainer. The sole assembly includes
a rigid elongate lower sole and a rigid elongate upper sole
substantially parallel to the lower sole. The upper sole has a toe
support region to support the user's toes and a heel support region
to support the user's heel. The sole assembly further includes a
first pair of rigid members extending transversely between the
elongate lower sole and the elongate upper sole. Each of the rigid
members has an upper end rotatably coupled to the upper sole and a
lower end rotatably coupled to the lower sole. A first pivot pin
extends through each of the rigid members. The sole assembly also
includes a second pair of rigid members extending transversely
between and being rotatably coupled to the lower sole and the upper
sole. A second pivot pin extends through each of the rigid members
of the second pair. An energy absorber is positioned between the
first pair of rigid members and the second pair of rigid members.
The energy absorber has an upper end rotatably coupled to the upper
sole and a lower end rotatably coupled to the lower sole. The
energy absorber is movable from an expanded configuration to a
compressed configuration to provide a resistive force to control a
rate of collapse of the sole assembly such that a distance between
the lower sole and the upper sole is mostly reduced after most of a
user's body mass is supported by the sole assembly. An opener
assembly expands the sole assembly after the sole assembly has been
at least partially collapsed.
The resistive force can be a dampening force that resists motion of
the sole assembly. The energy absorber may not provide any
appreciable forces when it expands. In some embodiments, the energy
absorber resists motion in one direction or two directions. The
opener assembly can provide a restoring force to expand the sole
assembly. The restoring force can be sufficiently small to allow
the sole assembly to collapse under the weight of the user but may
be sufficiently large to expand the sole assembly.
In some embodiments, a footwear apparatus for simulating climbing
stairs while traveling along a generally flat support surface
includes a shoe main body wearable on a foot of a user and a
collapsible sole assembly coupled to the shoe main body. The sole
assembly includes a lower sole and an upper sole translatable with
respect to the lower sole. The upper sole has a toe support region
and a heel support region. The sole assembly further includes an
adjustable lowering mechanism that provides a resistive force to
inhibit collapse of the sole assembly such that a distance between
the lower sole and the upper sole is mostly decreased after most of
a user's body mass is supported by the sole assembly. An opener
assembly is configured to push the upper sole away from the lower
sole to expand the sole assembly after the sole assembly has been
at least partially collapsed.
In other embodiments, an exercise device comprises a self-expanding
sole assembly movable between an expanded configuration and a
compressed configuration. The sole assembly comprises a lower sole,
an upper sole movable with respect to the lower sole, and an
expansion mechanism that generates a resistive force as the upper
sole spaced apart from the lower sole moves towards the lower sole
so as to move the sole assembly from the expanded configuration
towards the compressed configuration. In some embodiments, the
expansion mechanism is configured to generate a restoring force
that is less than the resistive force to move the sole assembly
from the compressed configuration towards the expanded
configuration. The restoring force can be less than about 50%, 25%,
10%, or 5% of the maximum resistive force produced during use.
In yet other embodiments, an exercise device comprises a
self-expanding sole assembly configurable between an expanded
configuration and a collapsed configuration. The sole assembly
generates a resistive force as the sole assembly in the expanded
configuration moves towards the collapsed configuration and
generates an expansion force to move from the collapsed
configuration towards the expanded configuration. The expansion
force, in some embodiments, is substantially less than the
resistive force.
In some embodiments, an exercise system comprises a pair of step-up
apparatuses wearable on a user's feet. Each step-up apparatus is
configurable between an expanded configuration and a compressed
configuration to simulate a selected motion when the user wearing
the pair of step-up apparatuses travels by foot. In some
embodiments, each of the step-up apparatuses substantially
immediately collapses when a foot of the user transfers a
substantial portion of the user's weight to the step-up apparatus
and expands upon removal of the substantial portion of the user's
weight without providing any appreciable propelling force. In
certain embodiments, each of the step-up apparatuses collapses in
less than about 1 second, 0.5 second, 0.1 second, or about 0.05
second after at least 25%, 50%, 75%, 90%, 95%, or all of the user's
body weight (or mass) is supported by the apparatus. In some
embodiments, the step-up apparatuses can have delay devices to
ensure that a desired amount of the user's weight is supported by
the apparatuses. The exercise apparatuses may thus begin to
collapse after a desired delay period.
In other embodiments, an exercise device comprises an upper sole
for supporting a foot of a user, a lower sole, and an actuating
mechanism. The actuating mechanism movably couples the upper sole
to the lower sole such that the exercise device is configurable
between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration to
define a maximum expansion distance. The actuating mechanism is
operable to increase and/or decrease the maximum expansion distance
of the exercise device. In some embodiments, the exercise device
includes a controller operable to set the maximum expansion
distance. The controller can adjust the maximum expansion distance
based on signals from one or more sensors of the exercise device
and/or based on user input.
In some embodiments, an exercise device comprises a sole assembly
configured to support a user. The sole assembly includes an
actuating mechanism operable to move the sole assembly from a
collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. In certain
embodiments, the actuating mechanism has a first state of operation
to provide a first rate of collapse and a second state of operation
to provide a second rate of collapse that is different from the
first rate of collapse.
In some embodiments, a system comprises a pair of exercise devices
that can be opened and closed. An open exercise device can support
most or substantially all of the user's body weight. In some
embodiments, the open exercise device can support at least 60%,
80%, 90%, or 95% of the user's body mass without closing an
appreciable amount. The user can stand on one foot, which is
supported by the exercise device, as the exercise device closes.
The user can operate the exercise devices to repeatedly raise and
lower the user's body (e.g., the user's torso) to exercise. The
distance the user's body is raised can be generally equal to the
distances the exercise devices expand from a closed configuration
to an open configuration. The exercise devices can be independently
operated. For example, one exercise can close while the other
exercise device opens.
In some embodiments, a method comprises stepping onto a pair of
step-up apparatuses worn on feet of a user to move each step-up
apparatus is between an expanded configuration and a compressed
configuration. Each of the step-up apparatuses is expanded from the
compressed configuration to the expanded configuration. In some
embodiments, one of the step-up apparatus is moved from the
expanded configuration and the compressed configuration while the
other step-up apparatus is in the compressed configuration. The
step-up apparatuses can move from the expanded configuration to the
compressed configuration in more than about 0.05 second.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with
reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference
numerals refer to like parts or acts throughout the various views
unless otherwise specified.
FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a user wearing an exercise apparatus,
in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a detailed view of an exercise device worn on a foot of
the user of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a front, top, and left side pictorial view of an exercise
device, in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 4A is a rear, top, and left side pictorial view of the
exercise device of FIG. 3.
FIG. 4B is a rear, top, and right side pictorial view of the
exercise device of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a rear, bottom, and left side pictorial view of the
exercise device of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of the exercise device of FIG.
3.
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of an adjustment mechanism, in
accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a front, bottom, and left side pictorial view of the
adjustment mechanism of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a pictorial view of components of the adjustment
mechanism of FIG. 7.
FIG. 10 is a side elevation al view of the components of FIG.
9.
FIG. 11 is an elevational view of a control lever and a pin, in
accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an exercise device in an open
configuration.
FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the exercise device of FIG.
12 in a closed configuration.
FIG. 14 is a pictorial view of an exercise device with a
controller, accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the exercise device of FIG.
14.
FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of an exercise device in an open
configuration, in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of an exercise device with
telescoping mechanisms, in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a rear view of the exercise device of FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the exercise device of FIG.
17 in a closed configuration.
FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of an exercise device, in
accordance with another embodiment. The exercise device is in an
open configuration.
FIG. 21 is a rear view of the exercise device of FIG. 20.
FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the exercise device of FIG.
20 in a closed configuration.
FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of an exercise device, in
accordance with another embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of an exercise device, in
accordance with another embodiment.
FIG. 25A is a side elevational view of an exercise device with a
diagonally oriented energy absorber, in accordance with one
embodiment.
FIG. 25B is a side elevational view of an exercise device with a
horizontally oriented energy absorber, in accordance with one
embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of an exercise device with a
horizontally oriented energy absorber.
FIG. 27 is a graph of forces versus time.
FIG. 28 is a graph of a height of an exercise device versus
time.
FIG. 29 is a graph of forces versus time.
FIG. 30 is a graph of a height of an exercise device versus
time.
FIG. 31 is a graph of heights of exercise devices versus time.
FIG. 32 is a side elevational view of an energy absorber, in
accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 33 is a detailed partial cross-sectional view of a portion of
the energy absorber of FIG. 32.
FIGS. 34-38 illustrate one method of operating the energy absorber
of FIG. 31, in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 39 is a right side elevational view of a foot retainer coupled
to an upper sole.
FIG. 40 is a left side elevational view of the foot retainer of
FIG. 39.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present detailed description is generally directed to exercise
systems that can provide different types of routines, exercises,
and motions. The system can be used to simulate climbing steps,
climbing up a slope, traversing uneven surfaces, and the like. Many
specific details and certain exemplary embodiments are set forth in
the following description and in FIGS. 1-40 to provide a thorough
understanding of such embodiments. One skilled in the art, however,
will understand that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced
without one or more of the details described in the following
description. Additionally, exercise systems are discussed in the
context of simulating climbing steps because they have particular
utility in this context. However, the exercise systems and their
components can be used to simulate other activities.
FIG. 1 illustrates an individual 100 using an exercise apparatus
110. The exercise apparatus 110 includes a pair of exercise devices
130a, 130b (collectively 130) on the user's left foot 132a and
right foot 132b, respectively. Each of the exercise devices 130 is
configurable between an open configuration (see exercise device
130a) and a closed configuration (see exercise device 130b) to
provide a selected motion when the user 100 travels along a support
surface 133. When the user 100 alternatingly steps up and onto the
open exercise devices 130, the exercise device 130 supporting the
user's weight can move towards the closed configuration. The user's
body is repeatedly lifted against gravity to exercise leg muscles
and the buttocks. For example, the open exercise device 130a of
FIG. 1 can be placed on the support surface 133. The user's body is
raised onto the open exercise device 130a. The exercise device 130a
supports the user 100 and moves (slowly or rapidly) to the closed
configuration.
The exercise devices 130 tend to move from the closed
configurations to the open configurations without any significant
intervention by the user. The closed exercise device 130b, for
example, can be lifted away from the support surface 133 to allow
the exercise device 130b to self-expand. As the foot 132b is
raised, the exercise device 130b automatically moves towards the
open configuration.
The exercise devices 130 can be worn in a wide range of settings,
including, without limitation, indoor settings, outdoor settings,
or the like to travel by foot over different types of terrain to
simulate traveling up a slope, stairs, and other uneven surfaces so
as to enhance aerobic exercise, muscle tone, muscle building,
and/or strength training. The exercise devices 130, for example,
can be worn while stepping in place, walking, running, jogging, or
performing other normal physical activities and can target certain
muscles and can increase or decrease impact forces and/or level of
intensity.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, shoe main bodies 135a, 135b
(collectively 135) can be worn on the feet 132a, 132b. The shoe
main bodies 135 can be athletic shoes, boots, sandals, or other
footwear for covering the user's feet. In some embodiments, the
shoe main bodies 135 are in the form of athletic shoes, such as
tennis shoes. In other embodiments, the shoe main bodies 135 are
integrated into the exercise devices 130, as discussed in detail
below.
FIG. 2 shows the exercise device 130a including a self-expanding
sole assembly 138 and a foot retainer 134. The exercise device 130a
can be generally similar to the exercise device 130b and,
accordingly, the following description of one of the exercise
devices applies equally to the other, unless indicated
otherwise.
The foot retainer 134 includes a plurality of coupling members
140a, 140b (collectively 140), illustrated in the form of straps
that can be opened or closed. The coupling members 140 can be
configurable between a foot retaining configuration of FIG. 2 and a
foot receiving configuration of FIG. 3. The coupling members 140
can include, without limitation, one or more fasteners for opening
and closing. The fasteners can be, without limitation, snaps,
buckles, hook and loop type fasteners, or the like. Mechanical
assemblies (e.g., nut and bolt assemblies), adhesives, or other
coupling features can couple the coupling members 140 to the sole
assembly 138. Additionally or alternatively, the foot retainer 134
can include, without limitation, bindings, clips, or other types of
components suitable for receiving and retaining the foot 132a.
FIG. 3 shows the sole assembly 138 that generally includes a lower
sole 160, an upper sole 162, and an actuating mechanism 164
connecting the lower sole 160 to the upper sole 162. The lower and
upper soles 160, 162 are generally planar elongate members and can
include one-piece or multi-piece plates, trays, or platforms made,
in whole or in part, of one or more metals, plastics, polymers,
composites, or other generally rigid materials suitable for
repeatedly impacting support surfaces and/or withstanding cyclic
loading. For example, a main body 240 of the lower sole 160 can be
made of a rigid plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene,
polystyrene, or combinations thereof) or a composite material
(e.g., a fiber reinforced composite).
The lower sole 160 is generally parallel to the upper sole 162. If
the lower sole 160 rests on a horizontal surface, the upper sole
162 can be in a substantially horizontal orientation. The soles
160, 162 can remain substantially parallel as the sole assembly 138
expands and collapses. The orientations and relative positions of
the lower and upper soles 160, 162 can be selected based on the
desired position of the user's foot with respect to the ground.
The upper sole 162 includes a toe support region 150, a heel
support region 152, and a central region 154 extending between the
toe support region 150 and the heel support region 152. The toe
support region 150 is positioned to be directly beneath the user's
toes. The heel support region 152 is positioned to be directly
beneath the user's heel. The upper sole 162 further includes a
substantially flat surface 156 upon which the user 100 stands.
Tread or other types of surface treatments for enhancing traction
can be provided on the surface 156.
When a downwardly directed force is applied to the upper sole 162,
the actuating mechanism 164 can be collapsed at a selected rate.
The actuating mechanism 164 can include various types of mechanical
devices that provide relative movement between the lower and upper
soles 160, 162. For example, one or more biasing members, pneumatic
cylinders, hydraulic devices, electromechanical systems, dampeners,
piston devices (e.g., piston type members that extend and contract
when the exercise device opens and closes), energy absorbers, and
other types of devices (e.g., air and/or liquid filled devices) can
allow such movement.
Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the actuating mechanism 164 includes an
energy absorber 170 with an upper end 200 (see FIG. 5) rotatably
coupled to a pivoting mechanism 178 of the upper sole 162 and a
lower end 202 (see FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B) rotatably coupled to a
pivoting mechanism 172 of the lower sole 160. The energy absorber
170 can be in the form of one or more shock absorbers (e.g., twin
tube shock absorbers, gas shocks, or the like), dampeners (e.g.,
one-way dampeners), biasing members, pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic
cylinders, or other selectively actuatable devices for absorbing
energy. The illustrated energy absorber 170 is a piston (e.g., an
expandable piston assembly) movable from an expanded configuration
to a compressed configuration to provide a resistive force that
acts against a force applied by the user pressing on the upper sole
162. The resistive force (e.g., a dampening force, a non-active
force, etc.) is used to resist motion, for example, downward
movement of the upper sole 162. The resistive force may not be
generated during expansion of the energy absorber. In some
embodiments, the energy absorber 170 resists motion during
compression and does not resist motion during expansion. Thus, the
energy absorber 170 may freely expand to allow the upper sole 162
to move upwardly. An expandable piston assembly can include,
without limitation, one or more biasing members (e.g., helical
springs, coil springs, or the like), fluid valves, pressurization
devices, sensors, or the like that cooperate to provide the desired
resistive force. The resistive force can be a constant resistive
force or variable resistive force.
Referring to FIG. 3, a frame 180 of the actuating mechanism 164
provides a relatively stable upper sole 162 that experiences
limited side-to-side movement during use. The upper sole 162 can
remain generally aligned with the lower sole 160 as the user's
weight is placed on the upper sole 162. Free ends of the frame 180
are slidable along the lower and upper soles 160, 162. The frame
180 can be a linkage mechanism that generally includes elongate
members 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d (collectively 210). The pair of
elongate members 210a, 210b and the pair of elongate members 210c,
210d form scissor-type joints. The elongate members 210a, 210b
extend transversely between right sides of the lower and upper
soles 160, 162. A pivot pin 213 extends through overlapping
sections of the elongate members 210a, 210b such that the elongate
members 210a, 210b rotate with respect to one another about an axis
of rotation 217. The elongate members 210c, 210d extend
transversely between left sides of the lower and upper soles 160,
162. A pivot pin 215 extends through overlapping sections of the
elongate members 210c, 210d such that the elongate members 210c,
210d rotate with respect to one another about the axis of rotation
217.
Pivoting mechanisms 178, 236 (see FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5) define the
vertically spaced apart axes of rotation 221, 222, respectively.
The elongate members 210a, 210d are rotatable about the axis of
rotation 221, and the elongate members 210b, 210c are rotatable
about the axis of rotation 222.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4B, a guide assembly 244 and an opener
assembly 247 cooperate to translate a roller assembly 251 along
elongate slots 255, 257. The elongate members 210a, 210d are
coupled to the roller assembly 251 and rotatable about an axis of
rotation 220 as the roller assembly 251 moves along the slots 255,
257. Rollers 252, 253 of the roller assembly 251 can roll smoothly
along the edges of the slots 255, 257. The opener assembly 247
includes a pair of biasing members 246, 248 that pull the roller
assembly 251 rearwardly. The opener assembly 247 can also include
connectors, couplers, levers, gears, or the like, if needed or
desired.
FIGS. 5 and 6 show the upper sole 162 including a multi-piece main
body 260 and a guide assembly 262. The main body 260 includes a
support plate 270 that sits in a recessed platform 272. A plurality
of fasteners 276 can temporarily or permanently couple the plate
270 to the recessed platform 272. The plate 270 can have an upper
surface 280 that provides desired frictional interaction. If the
plate 270 becomes worn or damaged, it can be replaced with another
plate. A recessed region 278 of the platform 272 can receive the
support plate 270 to minimize, limit, or substantially prevent
relative movement of the plate 270 with respect to the platform
272.
The guide assembly 262 is generally similar to the guide assembly
244 except as detailed below. The guide assembly 262 of FIG. 6 can
be physically coupled to the bottom of the platform 272 and
includes an adjustment mechanism 300 for controlling the amount of
travel of the exercise device. The adjustment mechanism 300
includes a pair of control levers 310, 312. Buttons 320, 322 of the
levers 310, 312, respectively, can extend outwardly from the
platform 272. A user can conveniently access the buttons 320, 322
to manually move the levers 310, 312.
FIG. 7 shows travel stops 330, 370 of the adjustment mechanism 300
for limiting travel of a roller assembly 338. The travel stop 330
serves as a mid-level travel stop, and the travel stop 370 serves
as a low-level travel stop. The lever 310 can rotate the stop 330
between an engagement position (illustrated in FIG. 7) and a
disengagement position. When the stop 330 is in the engagement
position, a shaft 336 (see FIG. 8) of the roller assembly 338 can
travel along a path 399 between an initial position 344 and a stop
position 340. The stop 330 can rotate about an axis of rotation
350, as indicated by an arrow 352, to move the stop 330 to the
disengagement position. When the stop 330 is in the disengagement
position, the roller assembly 338 can travel rearward past the stop
330.
The stop 330 can be a generally rectangular member positioned
within a rectangular window 450 (see FIG. 9) of the stop 370. The
dimensions of the stop 330 can be selected to obtain a desired
length L of the path 399. The length L of the path 399 can be
increased or decreased to increase or decrease, respectively, the
amount of travel of the upper sole 262.
The stop 370 of FIG. 7 can keep the exercise device 130 in a
generally closed configuration or low-level travel mode. The lever
312 can rotate the stop 370 about the axis of rotation 350, as
indicated by the arrow 380, to a disengagement position (see FIG.
8). When both stops 330, 370 are in the disengagement positions,
they can lie generally along the same plane. The roller assembly
338 can freely travel between opposing ends of the slots 360,
361.
FIGS. 9 and 10 show the levers 310, 312 that can be generally
similar to each other and, accordingly, the following description
of one of the levers applies equally to the other, unless indicated
otherwise. The lever 310 includes a head 418 extending from an
elongate arm 419. An end 427 of the head 418 contacts an upper
surface 429 of the stop 330.
Pins 400, 402 physically engage and position the levers 310, 312,
respectively. In some embodiments, including the illustrated
embodiment of FIGS. 9-11, the pin 400 is stationary and holds the
lever 310 in a lowered position by engaging an upper slot 420
(e.g., a groove, a recessed region, etc.) of the head 418. To move
the lever 310 to a raised position (illustrated in dashed line in
FIG. 11), a user presses the button 320 to move a tip 440 of the
pin 400 out of the slot 420 and into a slot 422. The pin 400 holds
the lever 310 in the raised position until the user moves the head
418 in the opposite direction.
FIGS. 12 and 13 show the sole assembly 138 in an expanded
configuration and a collapsed configuration, respectively. The sole
assembly 138 in the expanded configuration defines a raised height
H.sub.1 and in the collapsed configuration defines a lowered height
H.sub.2. The difference between the raised height H.sub.1 and the
lowered height H.sub.2 defines a step-up height. The step-up height
is thus the distance of travel of the upper sole 162 and can be
equal to or greater than about 1 inch (2.5 cm), 2 inches (5 cm), 3
inches (7.6 cm), 4 inches (10.2 cm), 4.5 inches (11.4 cm), 6 inches
(15.2 cm), 8 inches (20.3 cm), 10 inches (25.4 cm), 12 inches (30.5
cm), or ranges encompassing such heights. Of course, other step-up
heights are also possible, if needed or desired.
The step-up height can be increased or decreased to increase or
decrease the intensity of the aerobic activity. For a relatively
strenuous workout for strengthening muscles, the step-up height can
be more than about 5 inches. For a less strenuous workout with high
aerobic activity, the step-up height can be less than about 5
inches (12.7 cm). The adjustment mechanism 300 (see FIG. 7) can be
used to increase or decrease the step-up height. The illustrated
adjustment mechanism 300 lowers the raised height H.sub.1 to
decrease the step-up height. In other embodiments, the adjustment
mechanism 300 can raise the lowered height H.sub.2 so as to
decrease the step-up height.
When a user applies a force F to the expanded sole assembly 138 to
overcome the bias (e.g., a restoring force) provided by the opener
assembly 247, the sole assembly 138 begins to collapse. The
restoring force can be small enough to allow the sole assembly 138
to completely collapse but can be large enough to cause expansion
of the sole assembly 138 when the sole assembly 138 is unloaded. In
contrast to traditional spring shoes, the sole assembly 138 can be
fully collapsed without generating an appreciable restoring force.
The restoring force, if any, can be less than about 50%, 20%, 10%,
5%, or 2% of the maximum resistive force. As such, the sole
assembly 138 does not provide any significant propelling force that
can noticeably push a user away from the ground. Because the sole
assembly 138 does not provide any appreciable propelling forces
(e.g., forward and/or upward forces), the user has to lift his/her
leg to move a foot and/or the exercise device. The roller
assemblies 251, 338 translate forwardly in a direction (see arrows
460, 462) that is generally parallel with longitudinal axes of the
lower and upper soles 160, 162. The axes of rotation 223, 221 are
moved away from each other and the axes of rotation 220, 221 are
moved away from each other as the sole assembly 138 collapses.
The opener assembly 247 can bias the sole assembly 138 to the
expanded configuration. The upper sole 162 can translate away from
the lower sole 160 as the biasing members 246, 248, 364, 366 (see
FIG. 6) move the roller assemblies 251, 338 rearward. The expansion
force provided by the opener assembly 247 can be substantially less
than the resistive force provided by the energy absorber 170. A
user can conveniently move the exercise device 130 to the collapsed
configuration while the biasing members 246, 248, 364, 366 pull the
roller assemblies 251, 338. For example, the expansion force may be
equal to or less than about 30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% of the resistive
force provided by the energy absorber 170. The resistive force can
be selected to have the exercise device 130 close in about 5
seconds, 3 seconds, 2 seconds, 1 second, 0.5 seconds, or 0.25
seconds or ranges encompassing such lengths of time, when a user
stands on the exercise device 130. In some embodiments, the sole
assembly 138 can substantially immediately collapse when the foot
of the user transfers a substantial portion of the user's weight to
the step-up apparatus and expands upon removal of the substantial
portion of the user's weight, preferably without providing an
appreciable propelling force. In certain embodiments, each of the
apparatuses collapses within about 1 second, 0.5 second, 0.1
second, or 0.05 second after supporting at least 25%, 50%, 75%,
90%, or 90% of the user's body weight (or mass). In contrast to
spring shoes that tend to propel a user forward and/or upward, the
sole assembly 138 does not provide any such propelling force. The
sole assembly 138 can be opened with a restoring force that is less
than about 10%, 5%, 2%, or 1% of the user's body weight.
FIGS. 14 and 15 show an exercise device 500 that includes a
controller 504 adapted to control operation of an adjustable energy
absorber 510. The energy absorber 510 is coupled to a
pressurization device 520 via a fluid line 529. To increase the
force required to compress the energy absorber 510, the
pressurization device 520 can deliver fluid (e.g., air, water, oil,
hydraulic fluid, or the like) through the line 529 and into an
internal fluid chamber of the energy absorber 510. The pressure in
the internal fluid chamber can be increased or decreased to
increase or decrease the resistive force provided by the energy
absorber 510.
The pressurization device 520 can include, without limitation, one
or more compressors, pumps, valves (e.g., gate valves, check
valves, duck bill valves, globe valves, ball valves, or the like),
or other components that can cooperate to control operation of the
energy absorber 510. The pressurization device 520 is coupled to a
main body 522 of an upper sole 525. In other embodiments, the
pressurization device 520 is incorporated into or coupled to the
energy absorber 510, or other component of the exercise device
500.
With continued reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the controller 504 may
be conveniently accessed by a user to control operation of the
exercise device 500 and may include a housing 530, a display 536,
and an input device 538. The display 536 can be a screen or other
display device. The input device 538 can include, without
limitation, one or more buttons, keyboards, input pads, buttons,
control modules, or other suitable input devices. The illustrated
input device 538 is in the form of an input pad, such as a touch
pad, used to program the controller 504.
The controller 504 can generally include, without limitation, one
or more central processing units, processing devices,
microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSP),
application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), readers, and the
like. To store information, the controller 504 can also include,
without limitation, one or more storage elements, such as volatile
memory, non-volatile memory, read-only memory (ROM), random access
memory (RAM), and the like. The controller 504 can be programmed
based on the desired exercise programs to be performed. The
controller 504 can store one or more programs for controlling the
operation of a sole assembly 502. The input device 538 can also be
used to switch between different programs, modes of operation, or
the like. Different programs can be used to perform different types
of activities (e.g., walking, running, jogging, or the like),
different simulations (e.g., climbing stairs, walking on sand or
gravel, or the like), control exercise intensity, target desired
muscles (e.g., quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal muscles, hip
flexors, calves, or the like), or to achieve certain criteria
(e.g., target heart rate, adjust supination/under-pronation, or the
like). The controller 504 can control parameters of operation
(e.g., rate of collapse, rate of expansion, distance of travel,
orientations of the upper and lower soles, or the like). For
example, the rate at which the exercise device 500 collapses when
the user's body is raised onto the extended exercise device 500 can
be selectively increased or decreased. In some embodiments, the
exercise device 500 can provide a delayed collapse and/or a
selected distance of vertical travel, such as about 2 inches to
about 8 inches (about 5 cm to about 20.3 cm) of travel.
The controller 504 can generate a wide range of data, programs, or
settings (e.g., force settings, height settings, or the like) used
to control the exercise device. To calibrate the exercise device
500, the user can wear the exercise device 500 so that sensors send
signals to the controller 504. The signals are used to determine
force settings, generate control maps or curves (similar to the
force curves and height curves shown in FIGS. 27-31) using a wide
range of curve fitting techniques. Curve fitting can be based on
polynomials, trigonometric functions, and combinations thereof to
generate a curve approximating the collected data from the sensors.
The generated information (e.g., data, maps, curves, etc.) can then
be used to operate the exercise device 500.
If multiple users use the exercise device 500, the exercise device
500 can run unique programs for each user. The exercise device 500
can be recalibrated at any time to enhance performance. Calibration
programs can be used to calibrate based at least in part on forces
applied by the user, characteristics of motion (e.g., length of
stride, cadence, or the like), characteristics of the user (e.g.,
weight, height, flexibility, etc.), and other exercise
parameters.
FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of an exercise device 550 that
includes a shoe main body 552 integrally formed with an upper sole
556 to minimize, limit, or substantially eliminate relative
movement between the user's foot and a main body 558 of the upper
sole 556. The exercise device 550 is especially well suited for
relatively fast travel by foot (e.g., a brisk walk). A bottom 562
of the shoe main body 552 can be permanently coupled to the upper
sole 556 via one or more stitches, fasteners, adhesives, binders,
or the like.
The shoe main body 552 can be made, in whole or in part, of natural
materials (e.g., leather, natural rubber, cloth, or the like),
plastics, polymers, metals, composites, combinations thereof, or
other materials suitable for surrounding the users foot. In some
embodiments, the shoe main body 552 is made of pliable leather that
conforms closely to a users foot for enhanced comfort. In other
embodiments, the shoe main body 552 is made of a generally rigid
plastic that appreciably limits relative movement of the user's
ankle and can therefore provide enhanced support to ensure that the
user's body is properly positioned with respect to the exercise
device 550
FIGS. 17-19 illustrate an exercise device 600 that has an upper
sole 602 translatable and/or rotatable with respect to a lower sole
604. A plurality of expandable mechanisms 610 can cooperate to move
the upper sole 602 with respect to the lower sole 604. Each of the
expandable mechanisms 610 is a telescoping mechanism. The
expandable mechanisms 210 are capable of extending upwardly and
contracting downwardly and are driven mechanically, pneumatically,
hydraulically, or electro-mechanically. To lower a toe support
region 640 of the upper sole 602, the front mechanisms 610 can be
contracted while the rear mechanisms 610 remain generally
stationary.
A controller 620 embedded in the lower sole 604 can be programmed
remotely via a wireless network. The controller 620 is
communicatively coupled to drive devices 630, 632 (see FIG. 19),
which can move the mechanisms 610. The controller 620 can include a
power source (e.g., one or more batteries) that powers the drive
devices 630, 632.
FIGS. 20 and 21 show an exercise device 650 that has a generally
Z-shaped configuration. A sole assembly 652 has an upper sole 654
connected to a lower sole 656 by an actuating mechanism 660. The
actuating mechanism 660 includes a pair of pivoting mechanisms 664,
666 coupled to the upper sole 654 and the lower sole 656,
respectively. The pivoting mechanisms 664, 666 can include, without
limitation, one or more biasing members (e.g., helical springs,
torsion rods, or the like) that allow a rigid elongate member 670
extending between the pivoting mechanisms 664, 666 to rotate about
axes of rotation 680, 682.
FIG. 22 shows the exercise device 650 in the fully closed
configuration. To close the exercise device 650, the elongate
member 670 rotates about the axis of rotation 680, as indicated by
the arrow 690 in FIG. 20. The elongate member 670 also rotates
about the axis of rotation 682, as indicated by the arrow 692 in
FIG. 20. During this process, the soles 654, 656 can remain
generally parallel to each other to ensure that the user's foot
remains generally horizontal.
Referring to FIG. 23, an exercise device 710 is coupled to a
person's foot 712 via a foot restraint 713 and includes a
selectively movable actuating mechanism 727. The actuating
mechanism 727 includes a collapsible frame 729 and a control
mechanism 730. The frame 729 includes elongate members that form
scissor-type joints that allow relative movement between an upper
sole 752 and a lower sole 754. The illustrated upper sole 752 and
lower sole 754 include upper and lower outer elongated slots 780,
782, respectively. Free ends 783, 784 of the frame 729 slide along
the slots 780, 782, respectively. The control mechanism 730
controls parameters (e.g., rate of collapse, rate of expansion,
distance of travel, resistance to movement, maximum height, and the
like). For example, the control mechanism 730 can adjust the rate
of collapse when the user steps onto the exercise device 710.
The control mechanism 730 includes a rod 733 and an energy absorber
in the form of a brake assembly 735. A pin 734 (shown in dashed
line) of a rotatable handle 737 bears against the rod 733 slidably
disposed in a through-hole 739 in a shoe main body 741. The pin 734
has external threads that mate with internal threads of a hole in
the shoe main body 741 such that the end of the pin 734 moves
towards or away from the rod 733 as the handle 737 rotates.
The rod 733 is fixedly coupled to the lower sole 754. The rod 733
extends upwardly away from the lower sole 754 and at least
partially through the upper sole 752. When the exercise device 710
moves towards the closed configuration, the pin 734 frictionally
slides along the rod 733. The frictional interaction provides the
resistive force that controls the rate of collapse. To increase or
decrease the resistive force, the compressive forces between the
pin 734 and rod 733 can be increased or decreased.
Referring to FIG. 24, an energy absorber 761 can provide a selected
distance of vertical travel. The energy absorber 761 includes a rod
767 that extends between a cylinder 769 and the lower sole 766. The
cylinder 769 is fixedly coupled to an upper sole 765. The cylinder
769 slides downwardly and upwardly with respect to the rod 767. A
positioning device 763 of the energy absorber 761 can be used to
adjust a preset amount of travel between the upper sole 765 and the
lower sole 766.
FIG. 25A shows an exercise device 775 that includes an adjustment
mechanism 771 with a stop 773 and a rod 776. The stop 773 can be
moved along the rod 776 to control the travel of an upper sole 777.
An engagement section 785 includes external threads that threadably
engage internal threads of the stop 773. The stop 773 can be
rotated to move it along the rod 776 towards or away from a lower
sole 779 to decrease or increase the amount of travel of the upper
sole 777, thereby adjusting the step-up height. An actuating
mechanism 791 can raise the upper sole 777 until the upper sole 777
contacts the bottom of the stop 773.
In some embodiments, the stop 773 is in the form of a pin assembly,
a clamp, or the like. If the stop 773 includes a pin assembly, the
rod 776 can include an array of through holes for receiving a pin
of the stop 773. The pin can be positioned in different holes of
the rod 776. If the stop 773 includes a clamp, the clamp may be
movable between an open configuration for sliding along the rod 776
and a closed configuration for fixedly coupling the stop 773 to the
rod 776.
The adjustment mechanism 771 can change a maximum expansion
distance of the exercise device 775. The maximum expansion distance
can be the distance the upper sole 777 travels when the exercise
device 775 moves from a collapsed configuration to an expanded
configuration. In some embodiments, the external threaded section
785 of the rod 776 can have a longitudinal length of about 2 inches
such that the adjustment mechanism 771 can change the maximum
expansion distance about 2 inches. In other embodiments, the
adjustment mechanism 771 can change the maximum expansion distance
at least 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, or ranges
encompassing such lengths.
Adjustment mechanisms can be at other locations and orientations.
For example, FIG. 25B shows the adjustment mechanism 771
(illustrated in dashed line) extending from a roller assembly 778
to a mounting portion 770 of the lower sole 779. The stop 773
(illustrated in dashed line) can be moved forwardly (indicated by
the arrow 772) or rearwardly (indicated by the arrow 774) to limit
movement of the roller assembly 778 in order to decrease or
increase the vertical travel of the upper sole 777.
FIG. 26 shows an exercise device 793 with a generally horizontal
energy absorber 794. The energy absorber 794 includes an extendable
rod 795 extending between a cylinder 796 and a mounting portion 797
of a lower sole 787. The cylinder 796 is fixedly coupled to a
roller assembly 798. The cylinder 796 slides forwardly (indicated
by an arrow 799) and rearwardly (indicated by an arrow 801) with
respect to the stationary rod 795. The energy absorber 794 is
capable of determining a preset amount of travel between the roller
assembly 798 and the lower sole 787.
FIG. 27 shows a curve 800 corresponding to a force applied to the
ground when a user walks without wearing an exercise device. At
t.sub.0, the user's foot initially contacts the ground. The applied
force increases to a local maximum 810 at t.sub.1 as body weight is
transferred to the user's heel. The applied force decreases to a
local minimum 820 at t.sub.2 as the body weight is transferred to
the anterior portion of the foot. The applied force increases to
another local maximum 830 at t.sub.3 as the user pushes against the
ground. The applied force decreases until the user's foot leaves
the ground generally at t.sub.4.
A force curve 840 of FIG. 27 can be used to operate an exercise
device to obtain a height curve 849 of FIG. 28. The force curve 840
can be the resistive force provided by an actuating mechanism. At a
portion 848 of the curve 840, the expanded exercise device can
remain at a constant height as the user begins to stand on the
exercise device. The user can thus step up onto the exercise device
before the exercise device has collapsed a significant
distance.
At t.sub.c, the exercise device begins to collapse because the
force 800 applied by the user is greater than the resistive force
840. The force required to initiate closing of the exercise device
can be set by the user or may be determined by a controller. In
some embodiments, t.sub.c, can be equal to or greater than about
0.05 second, 0.1 second, 0.2 second, or 1 second. For example,
t.sub.c can be in the range of about 0.1 second to about 0.5
second. Most or substantially all of the user's body mass can be
supported by the exercise device as the exercise device begins to
close. The percentage of the user's body mass supported by the
exercise device that causes movement of the device can be selected
based on the desired motion. In some embodiments, at least 95% of
the user's body mass is supported by the exercise device before a
distance between the lower sole and the upper sole is appreciably
decreased. In some embodiments, at least 90%, 80%, or 50% of the
user's body mass is supported by the exercise device before the
exercise device is closed half way.
A portion of the curve 840 (e.g., the portion of the curve 840
between t.sub.2 and t.sub.4) can be offset from the curve 800 to
provide a generally constant acceleration. The rate of collapse can
thus increase as the user's foot approaches the ground. For
example, height curve 849 in FIG. 28 gradually decreases after
t.sub.c to provide a smooth motion.
FIG. 29 shows a force curve 900 used to operate an exercise device
to obtain a height curve of FIG. 30. The curve 900 decreases after
a significant amount of the user's body mass is supported by the
exercise device. The curve 900 gradually decreases after the
exercise device begins to close at t.sub.c. T.sub.c can be less
than, generally equal to, or greater than the t.sub.1.
As shown in FIG. 30, the height of the exercise device rapidly
decreases after the user is supported by the exercise device. As
the user's foot approaches the exercise device's end of travel, the
rate of collapse gradually decreases to minimize, limit, or
substantially eliminate impacted forces as the exercise device is
fully closed.
To minimize, limit, or substantially prevent any appreciable sudden
forces as the exercise device reaches the fully collapsed
configuration, a cushioning member can be positioned between the
upper and lower soles. The cushioning member can be made of foam or
other highly compressible material. In some embodiments, cushioning
members are coupled to an upper surface of the lower sole using
adhesives.
FIG. 31 shows heights of two exercise devices versus time. The
curves 950, 960 represent exercise devices that have a time delay
mode of operation. The exercise devices remain in a generally
expanded configuration from t.sub.0 to t.sub.c. In some
embodiments, an exercise device includes a device that inhibits
movement of an upper sole to substantially prevent any appreciable
collapsing of the exercise device for a period of time after the
exercise device is placed on a support surface and a desired force
is applied to the exercise device. At t.sub.c, the resistive force
provided by the exercise device begins to decrease to allow the
exercise device to close.
Different types of mechanisms can be used to obtain the height
curves 950, 960 of FIG. 31. FIG. 8 shows a release mechanism 1000
that can keep the sole assembly 138 at the raised height for a
desired length of time. The release mechanism 1000 can hold the
shaft 336 to prevent the shaft 336 from moving rearward and thus
delays collapsing of the sole assembly as the user initially steps
onto the exercise device. To collapse the exercise device, the
release mechanism 1000 rotates and/or translates to allow the shaft
336 to move in the rearward direction. The release mechanism 1000
can provide a time delay of at least 0.05 second, 0.1 second, 0.4
second, 0.5 second, 1 second, or 2 seconds. Of course, the length
of the time delay can be selected based on the activity to be
performed.
Referring again to FIG. 31, the curve 950 has a portion 970
corresponding to the exercise device in the expanded configuration
At a desired time t.sub.c, the height of the exercise device
linearly decreases from the time t.sub.c, to t.sub.2. As the
exercise device closes at a generally constant rate of collapse
from t.sub.1 to t.sub.2, the user can comfortably raise their other
foot without losing their balance. The different slopes 980, 990 of
the curves 950, 960 show that the exercise devices can collapse at
different rates.
In operation, a user can step onto an exercise device without any
noticeable collapsing of an exercise device to enhance the user's
stability. For example, a user with a body mass of about 70 kg can
step onto the exercise device without having the exercise device
close more than about 10%. If the exercise device has a range of
travel of about 8 inches, the exercise device closes less than
about 0.8 inch. After most of the user's body mass is carried by
the exercise device, the device moves to the closed
configuration.
At t.sub.0 to t.sub.c, the curve 960 slightly decreases. As the
user stands on the exercise device, the exercise device can close
slightly to reduce or limit stresses applied to the user's joints.
When the user's weight has been applied to the exercise device at
t.sub.c, the device can close at a higher rate of collapse.
A wide range of different types of energy absorbers can be used
with the exercise devices disclosed herein. Energy absorbers can
have integral delay mechanisms. Delay mechanisms can be mechanical
devices, electromechanical devices, or the like. In some
embodiments, the energy absorbers have different states of
operation to provide different forces to control movement of the
exercise devices.
FIG. 32 shows an energy absorber 1110 that has multiple states of
operation to control movement of an exercise device. The energy
absorber 1110 includes mounts 1111a, 1111b for coupling to
components of an exercise device, a piston assembly 1114, and a
delay mechanism 1112 coupled to the piston assembly 1114. The
piston assembly 1114 includes a rod 1122 and a main body 1120 that
slidably receives the rod 1122.
Referring to FIG. 33, the delay mechanism 1112 includes an outer
housing 1130 surrounding movable elements 1140, 1142 and a biasing
member 1150 interposed between the element 1142 and a closed end
1154 of the housing 1130. A switch 1160 of the piston assembly 1114
extends outwardly from an end 1162 of the main body 1120. The
piston assembly 1114 does not start to compress until the switch
1160 is mostly or entirely depressed. When the switch 1160 is in
the extended position, the piston assembly 1114 can be in a locked
state to keep the exercise device in an expanded configuration. The
switch 1160 can be depressed to selectively unlock the piston
assembly 1114.
The outer housing 1130 includes a positioning device 1170 for
inhibiting movement of the element 1142 and a positioning device
1172 for inhibiting movement of the element 1140. The positioning
devices 1170, 1172 can include, without limitation, latches, gates,
movable pins, or other types of devices that can hold and release
the elements 1142, 1140.
FIGS. 34-38 illustrate one method of operating the delay mechanism
1112. When the user applies a force to the exercise device, the
positioning device 1170 can move to an open position, illustrated
in dashed line in FIG. 34, to release the element 1142. The housing
1130 can include an actuator (e.g., a solenoid or other type of
drive device) that moves the positioning device 1170 from a closed
position in FIG. 33 to the open position in FIG. 34.
The biasing member 1150 of FIG. 34 pushes against the element 1142
to move the elements 1140, 1142 towards the end 1162 of the main
body 1120. FIG. 35 shows the elements 1140, 1142 sliding along the
housing 1130 to depress the switch 1160 The elements 1140, 1142 can
be baffles (e.g., perforated baffles) that control the amount of
time until the switch 1160 is depressed. For example, the housing
1130 can contain a fluid (e.g., a hydraulic fluid) that flows past
the elements 1140, 1142. In some embodiments, fluid is interposed
between the elements 1140, 1142. The element 1142 compresses the
fluid, which gradually flows past the element 1142 to allow the
element to contact the element 1140. A wide range of different
types of elements (e.g., sealing members, baffles, valves, pliable
members, or the like) can be positioned inside of the housing 1130
to increase or decrease the time it takes to move the element 1142
from a first position of FIG. 34 to a second position of FIG. 36.
In some embodiments, the delay mechanism 1112 includes one or more
pliable members (e.g., foam-filled members with one or more air
valves), flow restrictors, flow regulators, or the like. These
components can cooperate to control movement of the piston assembly
1114.
The positioning devices 1170, 1172 can be generally similar to each
other and, accordingly, the description of one of the positioning
devices applies equally to the other, unless indicated otherwise.
The positioning devices 1170, 1172 may include pins that move
inwardly and outwardly with respect to the housing 1130. In some
embodiments, the positioning device 1172 is in the form of a hinged
element that swings inwardly and outwardly in response to forces
applied to the element 1140. For example, the hinged element can
move to a closed position (e.g., when the hinged element extends
generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the housing
1130) to hold the switch 1160 in a depressed position. The element
can swing towards a sidewall of the housing 1130 to allow the
switch 1160 to return to the extended position.
Referring to FIG. 36, the element 1140 holds the switch 1160 in a
depressed position to allow the piston assembly 1114 to begin to
collapse. The rod 1122 slides into the main body 1120 (indicated by
an arrow 1190 of FIG. 32) to allow the exercise device to move
towards the collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, the
piston assembly 1114 is configured to gradually allow the exercise
device to collapse. In other embodiments, the piston assembly 1114
is configured to provide substantially no resistive force such that
the exercise device falls freely towards the collapsed
configuration.
The piston assembly 1114 can provide a wide range of different
resistance profiles. In some embodiments, the resistance profiles
vary during compression. For example, the piston assembly 1114 can
provide forces that can increase significantly as the piston
assembly 1114 reaches a fully compressed position. As the exercise
device reaches its compressed position, the piston assembly 1114
can rapidly reduce the rate of collapse of the exercise device. In
some embodiments, the piston assembly 1114 may be adjustable to
provide various desired resistances, or resistance profiles.
As the exercise device moves towards the collapsed configuration,
the element 1142 can return to its first position. A line 1192 is
capable of pulling the element 1142 shown in FIG. 36 to the initial
position shown in FIG. 37. The line 1192 can be coupled to a
component of the upper sole of an exercise device, or another
component movable with respect to the delay mechanism 1112, to
automatically pull the element 1142 to the first position.
After the exercise device has collapsed, the user can pick up the
exercise device to allow self-expansion. Once the exercise device
has reached the desired step-up height, the positioning device 1172
can release the element 1140 of FIG. 37 to allow the switch 1160 to
return to its initial position (i.e., the extended position) to
lock the piston assembly 1114. The switch 1160 can push the element
1140 towards the element 1142, as shown in FIG. 38. In some
embodiments, a controller is used to operate the positioning device
1170 based on signals generated by one or more sensors that detect
the height of the exercise device.
The energy absorber 1110 of FIGS. 32-38 can include other types of
delay mechanisms. In some embodiments, the delay mechanism 1112
includes a drive device (e.g., a solenoid) capable of selectively
depressing the switch 1160 of the piston assembly 1114. The
solenoid can be selectively activated and deactivated by supplying
power to the solenoid and stopping the supply of power to the
solenoid, respectively. The solenoid can be activated to depress
the switch 1160 to allow the piston assembly 1114 to compress. The
solenoid can be deactivated to return the switch 1160 to its
extended position to lock the piston assembly 1114. In some modes
of operation, for example, the piston assembly 1114 is in a locked
configuration to allow the user to step onto the exercise device.
The solenoid is activated to collapse the exercise device. The
exercise device can expand a desired amount before the solenoid is
deactivated to lock the piston assembly 1114.
FIGS. 39 and 40 illustrate a foot retainer 1200 pivotably coupled
to an upper sole 1202. The foot retainer 1200 and upper sole 1202
can cooperate to provide a natural heel to toe motion. A user can
comfortably transfer weight to the ball of the user's foot by
rotating the foot retainer 1200 about an axis of rotation 1210.
The foot retainer 1200 includes a brace 1220 and a leg holder 1230
rotatably coupled to the brace 1220. An axis of rotation 1240 is
defined by a pivot pin 1270 coupling the leg holder 1230 to the
brace 1220. The brace 1220 and the leg holder 1230 cooperate to
support the user's leg while allowing relative movement between the
user's lower leg and the user's foot.
The leg holder 1230 includes a main body 1250 configured to
accommodate at least a portion of a user's leg and a retainer 1252
(illustrated in the form of a strap) configured to surround and
hold the user's leg against the main body 1250. When the user
places an exercise device on the ground, the main body 1250 can be
in a first position 1280 (shown in dashed line in FIG. 40). The
main body 1250 rotates (e.g., at least 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 40
degrees, 60 degrees, or the like) from the first position 1280 to a
second position 1282 (shown in dashed line) to allow the user to
comfortably step off of the ground. In this manner, the leg holder
1230 promotes a natural walking motion while the brace 1220
reinforces the user's ankle to protect against sprains or unwanted
twisting.
The brace 1220 can be an ankle support brace extending upwardly
alongside a users ankle such that the axis of rotation 1240 is
generally at a location where the user's foot bends when the user
walks. For example, the axis of rotation 1240 is generally aligned
with the user's ankle. The brace 1220 can be made, in whole or in
part, of a rigid material, such as one or more metals, composites,
plastics, or the like. In some embodiments, the brace 1220 is a
metal brace made of aluminum or steel.
The foot retainer 1200 can further include a foot plate 1330
pivotally coupled to the upper sole 1202. The foot plate 1330
includes a toe support region 1340, a heel support region 1342, and
a main body 1344 extending between the toe support region 1340 and
the heel support region 1342. An axis of rotation 1210 can be
positioned generally below the ball of the user's foot during use.
The foot plate 1330 can therefore rotate as the user transfers
weight from the heel to the ball of the foot. In other embodiments,
the axis of rotation 1210 can be positioned anterior or posterior
to the ball of the user's foot. For example, the axis of rotation
1210 can be positioned below the arch of the user's foot. The axis
of rotation 1210 can also be at other locations, if need or
desired.
A pin 1310 extends through a mount 1320 of the foot plate 1330 and
a mount 1329 of the upper sole 1202 to define the axis of rotation
1210. The mounts 1320, 1329 and pin 1310 form a pivoting mechanism
1319. When the user steps onto the exercise apparatus, the heel
support region 1342 can be pressed against an upper surface 1203 of
the upper sole 1202. As the user transfers weight to the front of
the foot, the foot plate 1330 rotates about the axis of rotation
1210 to bring the toe support region 1340 into contact with the
upper surface 1203.
It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It
should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in
its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates
otherwise.
Various methods and techniques described above provide a number of
ways to carry out the invention. Of course, it is to be understood
that not necessarily all objectives or advantages described may be
achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described
herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the methods may be performed in a manner that achieves or
optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein
without necessarily achieving other objectives or advantages as may
be taught or suggested herein.
The exercise apparatus disclosed herein can be worn to provide a
workout that is appreciably similar to the workout provided by
climbing stairs or using a stair master machine. For example, a
user can wear the apparatus indoors while performing everyday
chores and activities. In outdoor applications, the user can wear
the device on generally flat surfaces that can be found at shopping
centers, malls, parks, sidewalks, or the like. The apparatuses can
provide a motion that generally simulates climbing stairs to
provide a vigorous workout even though the user is traveling across
these generally flat surfaces. Of course, the apparatuses can be
worn while traveling along uneven surfaces (e.g., while hiking) and
on relatively steep inclines or declines. Traveling is broadly
construed to include, without limitation, walking, running,
jogging, or the like. In some embodiments, the exercise apparatuses
can be used in aerobic classes. For example, a user can lock one
exercise device in an extended configuration and the other exercise
device in a collapsed configuration to perform step-up routines.
The user can then step in place.
Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the
interchangeability of various features from different embodiments
disclosed herein. Similarly, the various features and acts
discussed above, as well as other known equivalents for each such
feature or act, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill
in this art to perform methods in accordance with principles
described herein. Additionally, the methods which are described and
illustrated herein are not limited to the exact sequence of acts
described, nor are they necessarily limited to the practice of all
of the acts set forth. Other sequences of events or acts, or less
than all of the events, or simultaneous occurrence of the events,
may be utilized in practicing the embodiments of the invention.
Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain
embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically
disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses
and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, it
is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the
appended claims.
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